M. Chapoutier : Barbe Rac 2025

Characteristics and tasting recommendations for Barbe Rac 2025 from M. Chapoutier

Tasting

Appearance
The wine displays a deep, dense and brilliant purple hue.

Nose
The nose opens with aromas of garrigue, intertwined with notes of orange zest and fully ripe black fruits, complemented by a subtle hint of graphite that adds depth.

Palate
The attack is ample, giving way to a velvety, fleshy palate. The tannins, both lively and refreshing, support flavors of marmalade, enhanced by sweet spices and a touch of bitter cocoa on the finish.

A great Châteauneuf-du-Pape red wine, velvety with beautiful vibrancy

The estate

Founded in 1808 in Tain, the Maison M. Chapoutier is a leading reference in the Rhône Valley. Under the direction of Michel Chapoutier, who has headed the estate since 1990, the entire vineyard has been converted to biodynamics. Today, the property spans 389 hectares. Renowned for its single-parcel selections that faithfully reflect the uniqueness of each terroir, the house also stands out for its commitment to accessibility, notably through the use of Braille inscriptions on its bottles.

The vineyard

Located at the western edge of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, this cuvée comes from the lieu-dit Barbe d’Asne. The vineyard lies on a Quaternary terrace covered with rolled pebbles, which absorb heat during the day and release it to the vines at night. Deep down, the soil reveals a complex geological structure. The vines, planted around 1901, have deep root systems and naturally produce low yields, promoting a high concentration of the grapes.

Winemaking and aging

After careful selection during harvest, the vinification of Barbe Rac 2024 is carried out in closed concrete tanks for approximately three weeks, at temperatures between 30 and 33 degrees. In pursuit of optimal quality, only free-run juice is used for this single-parcel cuvée. The aging then continues exclusively in concrete tanks for 16 to 20 months, preserving the purity of the aromas without any oak influence.

Grape variety

Barbe Rac 2025 from M. Chapoutier is made from 100% grenache.